I think you are on the right track. Look carefully at the pics I sent you. I think you might need to open up the area between his legs and keep the wide stance/hips. Also, work to round the butt and improve the transition from his head to his back/shoulders (use the Tang pics for reference). If you take wood from the neck and chin area do it slowly and carfully.

"the deeper it is, the better it'll look". That's what I think.
I agree with you with the eyes, round them. If it is not as deep as you wanted you'll cut deeper and re-round them.
The beginning is very good, you can't do anything wrong with the piece you carved.

Thanks for the input G & Benjamin! I did some more work today, mainly digging out more between the legs. I started rounding out the eyes, but I still think I should go a little deeper. I'm just afraid because of the cracks, so I'm going slow w/ that.

Hi TF1...been meaning to get back to your carving. When I looked at him, I thought nice stance...he's getting some character...kinda relaxed and confident. If we were in New York, we'd say he has 'moxie'.

Thanks G! I might need some advice on the hips and butt. I'm looking at one of the pictures you sent me but I'm still struggling with how to do it. I'm trying to make it have a big scoop at the upper thigh and the scoop down towards the feet so it has a middle ridge, but I don't know how to work it in the backside??? I don't think I explained it that great but you might know what picture I'm talking about?

Look at these thighs and legs. Hopefully they can help you on your way. They are all different ways at getting to the same result. Calves, thighs, and a butt. If not, give me a call...or..... Airtran has daily non-stops to Tampa - we'll get him fixed up!

Well I went back at it and starting working on the butt and this is what I got so far.... I shaved the top down a bunch to get rid of that big hump and tried smoothing it the hips. still experimenting though. thanks for the pix G! those made me go work on it again.